Community Passes Elmhurst Park District Referendum
As of November 5, 2024, the majority of Elmhurst Park District voters answered “yes” to the bond referendum request to raise revenue to improve, equip and maintain parks and facilities throughout the District, including replacing the Wagner Community Center; building a community bandshell at Wilder Park; adding permanent, heated restrooms at three parks and along the Prairie Path; and converting a grass field to artificial turf at Berens Park.
The new Wagner Community Center will accommodate more residents and feature:
- Free three-lane walking/jogging track
- Gymnasium for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and other sports
- Artificial turf field for soccer, football, baseball and other sports
- Larger spaces for dance and gymnastics programs
- Flexible multi-purpose spaces for more programming and community gatherings
- Indoor play area for children
- Dedicated early childhood and preschool spaces with a secure entrance
“Our residents have been an essential part of this process from the beginning, sharing their vision during the Elevate Elmhurst Parks planning, providing feedback on projects during multiple open houses, answering our voter survey and then voting,” said Kevin Graf, Park Board President. “We are pleased to be able to deliver their vision.”
With the community’s approval of the bond request, the Park District will complete design development for the Wagner Community Center along with the other projects in 2025. At the same time, plans will be made to temporarily relocate programs and services currently held at the Wagner Center beginning in fall 2025. Construction on the new Wagner Center is expected to start in 2026 with the new facility opening in fall 2027. The community bandshell, year-round heated restrooms, and upgrading a grass field to artificial turf will be completed in 2026-2028.
Check this webpage and regularly follow us on social media to stay up to date on progress and details.
May 2025 Progress Report
Financials
- The referendum impact is now reflected on 2025 property tax bills.
Wagner Community Center (WCC) Project
- WCC Project:
- Dewberry presented and the Park Board approved the schematic design for new facility.
- Park Board approved contract with McHugh+Nacional for construction management services.
- Dewberry began developing draft elevation drawings, which will be presented to and reviewed by the Board on May 12.
- WCC Relocation:
- Investigating potential lease options for commercial space to accommodate the District’s gymnastics and dance programs is ongoing.
Crestview Park Master Plan
- Hosted second Master Plan Open House on May 1 (45 attendees) to share Master Plan concepts based upon resident feedback.
- Launched online survey to garner community input on two Master Plan concepts and two playground concepts.
Wilder Park Bandshell with Restrooms
- Park Board approved Task Order with Dewberry for architectural design.
- Park Board approved contract with Upland Design for landscape architecture and engineering services to develop Wilder Park South End Master Plan.
Restroom Buildings
- Park Board approved Task Order with Dewberry for architectural design.
- Staff met with V3 and Dewberry to evaluate feasibility of potential restroom locations near the Prairie Path, considering factors such as property boundaries, utility connections, city code requirements, and potential impacts on neighboring properties.
Berens Park Artificial Turf Field
- Park Board approved Task Order with Dewberry for architectural design.
